99: Nervous About Networking? Be a Tourist Part 1: 3 Ways to Feel More Comfortable at Your Next Event

Does walking into a room full of business owners you don’t know make you nervous?

Before you worry about perfecting your elevator pitch or generating referrals, start with feeling comfortable in the room.

In this episode of Business Networking & Referrals, Faithann Basore shares how a family vacation to South Dakota reminded her of a simple approach to networking: be a tourist.

Instead of wondering, “What do these people think of me?” try asking, “What do I think of this room?” That shift can help you approach networking events with more curiosity and less pressure.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Bring a friend: Who you can invite and how highlighting their strengths gives you an easy way to start conversations.

Gather information before you go: How checking parking, travel time, meeting format, and what visitors can expect helps you arrive more comfortably.

Find the fun: How to look for welcoming people, interesting details, and enjoyable moments that give you a reason to return.

Plus a bonus tip: Why saying “I’m a little nervous” can help you settle into a conversation.

You’ll also hear how to ask the event host for introductions when you arrive alone.

Try this at your next networking event: Give yourself permission to explore. Meet a few people, learn about the room, and notice what you enjoy. You don’t have to talk to everyone.

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